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What Is The Normal 1 Hour Postprandial Blood Sugar?

Ask The Diabetes Team

Ask The Diabetes Team

Question: From Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA: Two years ago, my now 12 year old daughter was diagnosed with diabetes while she was in the hospital with whooping cough. Her blood sugar was in the 400s mg/dl [over 22.2 mmol/L]. After she was treated for whooping cough and released, her blood sugar went down to a normal level. Her GAD antibody tests were normal. Her Glucose Tolerance Test showed elevated insulin levels around 300 as well as 110 mg/dl [6.1 mmol/L] fasting and a high of 185 mg/dl [10.3 mmol/L] at one hour. I believe she was 136 mg/dl [7.6 mmol/L] at two hours. From this test, they determined that she had "pre-diabetes" and told us to check her blood glucose levels randomly as well as whenever she is sick, increase her exercise and watch what she eats. She also has kidney disease, so they tested her for MODY diabetes, which is an experimental test (she was in a research project) and it came back as negative, although not conclusive. Usually, her fasting blood sugars are within normal range. Her postprandial levels are usually a bit high, in the 140 to 180 mg/dl [7.8 to 10.0 mmol/L] range, and her bedtime range is from 110 to 170 mg/dl [6.1 to 9.4 mmol/L]. It seems the closer she is to having had something to eat, the higher her results. Recently, she was 499 mg/dl [27.7 mmol/L] right after a meal, then 329 mg/dl [18.3 mmol/L] 10 minutes later, and 113 mg/dl [6.3 mmol/L] a half hour later. I realize that we are told to take blood glucose levels an hour after meals as well as two hours after meals. If a level is taken right after a meal, or lets say, 10 to 20 minutes after finishing a meal, is there a "normal range?" I have heard that checking one's blood sugar that close to eating might cause inaccurate results or a higher than normal level, but it's okay. Yesterda Continue reading >>

Diabetes: Blood Sugar Levels

Diabetes: Blood Sugar Levels

Topic Overview Keeping your blood sugar in a target range reduces your risk of problems such as diabetic eye disease (retinopathy), kidney disease (nephropathy), and nerve disease (neuropathy). Some people can work toward lower numbers, and some people may need higher goals. For example, some children and adolescents with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, people who have severe complications from diabetes, people who may not live much longer, or people who have trouble recognizing the symptoms of low blood sugar may have a higher target range. And some people, such as those who are newly diagnosed with diabetes or who don't have any complications from diabetes, may do better with a lower target range. Work with your doctor to set your own target blood sugar range. This will help you achieve the best control possible without having a high risk of hypoglycemia. Diabetes Canada (formerly the Canadian Diabetes Association) suggests the following A1c and blood glucose ranges as a general guide. Women with type 1 or type 2 diabetes who become pregnant 2 A1c: 7.0% or less (or as close to 7.0% as possible) Blood glucose: Fasting and before meals: Less than 5.3 mmol/L 1 hour after meals: Less than 7.8 mmol/L 2 hours after meals: Less than 6.7 mmol/L Continue reading >>

Could You Be Missing The Spike In Your Blood Sugar Levels?

Could You Be Missing The Spike In Your Blood Sugar Levels?

A spike in blood sugar levels is the highest peak your blood sugar levels reach after eating or drinking. But could you be missing the spike? Depending on your test times, then you could be missing the spike and depending on your target level it can be confusing what is deemed as a spike or high level. When excess glucose in the bloodstream passes through to the baby it causes excessive growth and other possible related complications. Targets for measuring blood glucose are given and being below that target level is deemed as being a safer level for fetal growth, minimising the risks associated with diabetes in pregnancy. There has been uncertainty if it is the overall glucose control or the spikes in blood sugar levels that influence the baby's growth but the HAPO (Hyperglycemia and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes) 2008 study suggests that both fasting and postprandial glucose levels influence fetal growth and so this is why the majority of ladies will be testing both fasting levels and pre or post meal levels. How do you know when to test your blood sugar levels and at what time? You get diagnosed with gestational diabetes. You go to your hospital appointment, get given a blood glucose test monitor, shown how to use it and then you're given your test times and targets. But this is where it can be VERY confusing, especially when you compare your targets with mothers from other hospitals... Although there are National guideline recommendations which are backed by research as to what targets should be used for the best outcomes with gestational diabetes, hospitals and Trusts do not have to follow them. This means that ladies in the UK & ROI can be given all sorts of different blood glucose monitoring targets and test times. Some may be very strict, others can be very lenient. Continue reading >>

Questions And Answers - Blood Sugar

Questions And Answers - Blood Sugar

Use the chart below to help understand how different test results can indicate pre-diabetes or diabetes Fasting Blood Glucose Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) Random Blood Sugar (taken any time of day with or without fasting) A1C Ideal Result Less than 100mg/dl Less than 140 mg/dl Less than 140 (even after eating a large meal) Less than 5.7% Pre-diabetes 100-125mg/dl 140-199mg/dl 140-200 5.7% to 6.4% Diabetes 126mg/dl and greater 200 mg/dl and greater 200 or greater 6.5% or more Q: I have been told that I have diabetes, or "pre-diabetes", or that I am in the "honeymoon period" . My readings are all over the place: sometimes in the 120's, others in the 90's, sometimes, but rarely in the 150-170's. My doctor does not want to put me on medication yet. I exercise regularly and am not overweight though my diet is variable. I certainly like sweets, pizza, and pasta. What is the long term effect of these continued high blood sugar levels? A: Firstly, kudos for your physician for giving diet/lifestyle changes a chance to work. Reduction of body fat often is the first best start. This may or may not be true in your case but certainly sweets, pizza, etc. are affecting your numbers. If you can discipline yourself at this time to eat unrefined foods and be more active, your beta cells that produce insulin may get the rest they need to become efficient again. Our diabetes management booklet has many referenced foods/supplements that may help to stabilize your glucose levels. In time, your favorite foods may be reintroduced in moderate amounts. You appear to be more in the pre-diabetes range at this time. Complications are a long process. If your daytime levels stay under 120-140, that is good. Fasting levels are higher due to hormonal activity nighttime; these levels are a much sl Continue reading >>

Understanding Diabetes: All About Glucose

Understanding Diabetes: All About Glucose

Understanding Diabetes: All About Glucose Introduction Understanding all the terms, and specific functions of the body aren't always easy. Neither is understanding the process of diabetes. However, any diabetic should understand the basic definition of glucose; what it does, and how it affects the body. With this knowledge, you can understand and manage your diabetic condition much easier. While we'll try not to get too terribly technical with terminology and definitions in this article, we will strive to educate you on the basics of glucose and its most important function in regulating your body functions. What Is Glucose and Why Is It Important? The scientific definition of glucose is a monosaccharide or simple sugar. This simple sugar is very important to your body and its biology. Glucose is the source of energy for your body and serves to regulate and mediate metabolism. In other words, your levels of glucose determine how your body utilizes energy for fuel. The word glucose originally comes from the Greek word "glykys" which means sweet. The "ose" ending designates a sugar. For example, many sugars are found in the body and come from the foods we eat including glucose, fructose, sucrose, and so forth. The endings on these words designate that they're a type of sugar. Glucose is not only used as fuel for your body, helping you to perform an exercise workout, walk up a flight of stairs, or carry groceries into the house, but serve as a source of fuel for chemical reactions and interactions between cells, tissues and organs in the body. The amount of glucose in your blood determines how efficiently (or not) your body is able to utilize these sugars. The main source of glucose is carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are generally known as starchy foods. Glucose must be paired Continue reading >>

Diabetes With Pregnancy

Diabetes With Pregnancy

Before embarking on a discussion about caring for diabetes in pregnancy, we must differentiate between the different types. For those that are already diagnosed with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes BEFORE pregnancy, this is considered pre-existing diabetes, often called “diabetes in pregnancy.” It is NOT the same as gestational diabetes, which will be defined in a moment. Often, even for those women that are not previously diagnosed with diabetes BEFORE pregnancy, if they appear to be high risk (overweight, family history of diabetes, etc), a healthcare provider may choose to screen these women for undiagnosed diabetes on their first pre-natal visit. If diagnosed, this would also be considered pre-existing diabetes, or “diabetes in pregnancy.” Gestational diabetes occurs later in pregnancy in women not previously diagnosed with diabetes. Screening for ALL women for GDM takes place at approximately 24-28 weeks through administration of an OGTT* (oral glucose tolerance test.) GDM is associated with increased insulin resistance and decreased glucose tolerance during pregnancy. As these two elements are the cornerstone of Type 2 diabetes, those with GDM are at extremely high risk for later development of Type 2. Regardless of the TYPE of diabetes, the “name of the game” in pregnancy is ABOVE ALL, normal blood glucose. This is recognized by every institution creating guidelines for the treatment of diabetic pregnancies. Why? Because elevated glucose in pregnancy can cause risks to the mother (including pre-eclampsia, eclampsia, as well as worsening retinopathy and nephropathy) and baby (including congenital malformations, large birth weight, and complications of delivery.) Babies born to mothers with uncontrolled diabetes (particularly Type 2 and GDM) are at higher ris Continue reading >>

Diabetes: Blood Sugar Readings

Diabetes: Blood Sugar Readings

www.CardioSmart.org What is a blood sugar reading? A blood sugar reading shows how much sugar, or glucose, is in your blood. A test of your blood sugar may be done to: • Check for diabetes. • See how well diabetes treatment is working. • Check for diabetes that occurs during pregnancy (gestational diabetes). • Check for low or high blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia). What are normal blood sugar readings? There are several types of blood sugar tests. Normal results can vary from lab to lab. Talk with your doctor about what any abnormal results might mean, and about any symptoms and other health problems you have. Normal values for adults who do NOT have prediabetes or diabetes Less than or equal to 100 When you have not eaten (fasting blood sugar): Less than 140 if you are age 50 or younger; less than 150 if you are age 50 to 60; less than 160 if you are age 60 and older 2 hours after eating (postprandial): Levels vary depending on when and how much you ate at your last meal. In general: 80 to 120 beforemeals or when waking up; 100 to 140 at bedtime. Random (casual): Target values for nonpregnant adults who have prediabetes or diabetes 80 to 130When you have not eaten (fasting blood sugar): Less than 1802 hours after eating (postprandial): What causes abnormal blood sugar? High blood sugar can be caused by: • Diabetes or prediabetes. • Certain medicines, such as corticosteroids. Low blood sugar can be caused by: • Certain medicines, especially those used to treat diabetes. • Liver disease, such as cirrhosis. Rarely, high or low blood sugar can be caused by other medical problems that affect hormone levels. Prediabetes and diabetes Blood sugar helps fuel your body. Normally, your blood sugar rises slightly af Continue reading >>

When To Test? A New Study Pinpoints Timing

When To Test? A New Study Pinpoints Timing

One of the most common questions people email me is when exactly they should start measuring the "hour after eating" at which I suggest they should test their blood sugar. Does that hour start after the first bite or at the end of the meal? Luckily for us, an obscure paper published last year give us a definitive answer. Luckily for me, that answer is identical to the advice I've been giving people who have asked me this question for the last five years. (I based my answer on a previous study and the reports of people posting about when they tested on online discussion groups.) The study used used data collected from people with both Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes, using insulin, who were wearing continuous glucose monitors. You can read it here: Peak-time determination of post-meal glucose excursions in insulin-treated diabetic patients. Daenen S, et al. Diabetes Metab. 2010 Apr;36(2):165-9. Epub 2010 Mar 11. For insight into why this study is so useful you have to keep in mind that the whole point of testing at one hour is to find the highest blood sugar reading after the meal. This study found that the average blood sugar peak after breakfast was found at 72 minutes after the start of the meal, with most people's values falling between 49 minutes and 95 minutes. However, one person in five saw a peak after 90 minutes from the start of the meal. The researchers observe that "Peak time correlated with the amplitude of postprandial excursions, but not with the peak glucose value." I.e. A rise of 100 mg/dl to 170 mg/dl from a starting value of 70 mg/dl would take longer than a rise of 30 mg/dl from 140 g/dl to that same 170 mg/dl, which makes sense. Since many of us spend about 15 minutes eating a meal, this explains why many people will do just fine if they test hour after Continue reading >>

Your Complete Guide To Blood Sugar Levels

Your Complete Guide To Blood Sugar Levels

“The food you eat can be either the safest and most powerful form of medicine or the slowest form of poison.” (Ann Wigmore) We exist in an era where we rely more on junk, inorganic, sugary, processed foodstuffs. This unwholesome diet is wreaking havoc on our well-being. Keeping a log of our blood sugar levels should be a mandatory component of our regimen. This article will highlight the ranges of blood glucose levels on different occasions. However, before proceeding ahead, I will like you to have an understanding of some important terms as follows: Random blood glucose (RBG): This is a casual blood sugar test taken in a non-fasting state at any time during the day. Fasting blood glucose (FBG): This is the test, measured first at the cockcrow after an overnight fasting of at least 8-12 hours. Postprandial Blood Glucose: Postprandial blood glucose indicates the level of glucose in your blood after meals; this could be 1 hour after meals, 2 hours after meals and so on so forth. Pre-Diabetes (Impaired Glucose Tolerance): This signifies that the person is not yet in the diabetic range, but has crossed the normal glucose range (i.e. hyperglycemic now). The pre-diabetic has an enhanced risk of insulin resistance and an increased propensity to develop full-blown diabetes. Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT/GCT or Glucose Challenge Test): Oral means via mouth, glucose tolerance test implies testing your blood glucose levels after giving you a glucose solution to drink. The test is performed in the morning, usually after an overnight fasting of approximately 8-12 hours (no calorie intake, can drink water). A baseline blood sample is then withdrawn at zero time. The person then receives a glucose solution to slurp, (this could be a 50-gram (g), 75-g, or a 100-g glucose soluti Continue reading >>

Your Complete Guide To Blood Sugar Levels

Your Complete Guide To Blood Sugar Levels

“The food you eat can be either the safest and most powerful form of medicine or the slowest form of poison.” (Ann Wigmore) We exist in an era where we rely more on junk, inorganic, sugary, processed foodstuffs. This unwholesome diet is wreaking havoc on our well-being. Keeping a log of our blood sugar levels should be a mandatory component of our regimen. This article will highlight the ranges of blood glucose levels on different occasions. However, before proceeding ahead, I will like you to have an understanding of some important terms as follows: Random blood glucose (RBG): This is a casual blood sugar test taken in a non-fasting state at any time during the day. Fasting blood glucose (FBG): This is the test, measured first at the cockcrow after an overnight fasting of at least 8-12 hours. Postprandial Blood Glucose: Postprandial blood glucose indicates the level of glucose in your blood after meals; this could be 1 hour after meals, 2 hours after meals and so on so forth. Pre-Diabetes (Impaired Glucose Tolerance): This signifies that the person is not yet in the diabetic range, but has crossed the normal glucose range (i.e. hyperglycemic now). The pre-diabetic has an enhanced risk of insulin resistance and an increased propensity to develop full-blown diabetes. Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT/GCT or Glucose Challenge Test): Oral means via mouth, glucose tolerance test implies testing your blood glucose levels after giving you a glucose solution to drink. The test is performed in the morning, usually after an overnight fasting of approximately 8-12 hours (no calorie intake, can drink water). A baseline blood sample is then withdrawn at zero time. The person then receives a glucose solution to slurp, (this could be a 50-gram (g), 75-g, or a 100-g glucose soluti Continue reading >>

Blood Sugar Too High? Blood Sugar Too Low?

Blood Sugar Too High? Blood Sugar Too Low?

If you have diabetes, your blood sugar doesn't call your cell phone and say, "My readings are too high right now." Instead, blood sugar rises slowly and gradually, causing complications that may damage your organs -- heart, eyes, kidneys, nerves, feet, and even skin are at risk. Sometimes you wonder, "Is my blood sugar too high? Too low?" because "normal" levels are so important. "Diabetes is not a 'one-size-fits-all' condition, and neither are blood sugar readings. Different targets are established for different populations," says Amber Taylor, M.D., director of the Diabetes Center at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland. Targets may vary depending on a person's age, whether they have type 1 or type 2 diabetes and for how long, what medications they're taking, whether they have complications, and, if the patient is a female, whether she is pregnant. "Patients on insulin may need to test more frequently than someone on oral agents," says Taylor. "Those with type 1 diabetes always require insulin, but many with type 2 diabetes also need it." Target Blood Sugar Levels If you have diabetes, these are target "control" blood glucose levels, using a rating of milligrams to deciliter, or mg/dl: Blood sugar levels before meals (preprandial): 70 to 130 mg/dL Blood sugar levels one to two hours after the start of a meal (postprandial): less than 180 mg/dL Blood sugar levels indicating hypoglycemia or low blood glucose: 70 or below mg/dL Types of Blood Sugar Tests Blood glucose testing can screen, diagnose, and monitor. Glucose is measured either after fasting for eight to ten hours, at a random time, following a meal (postprandial), or as part of an oral glucose challenge or tolerance test. You can compare your levels to these results for specific tests, based on clinical Continue reading >>

Normal Range For Blood Sugar After Eating A Meal

Normal Range For Blood Sugar After Eating A Meal

When you have diabetes your blood sugar levels can be quite fragile. What are normal blood sugar levels? Blood sugar levels depend on what, when and how much you eat, as well as how effectively your body produces and uses insulin. Your blood sugar levels are an excellent indicator of your risk of developing diabetes; the higher your blood sugar, the greater your risk. Chronic high blood sugar can be a wake-up call, telling you that it’s time to lose weight and make healthier food choices. Normal Blood Glucose / Blood Sugar Level Ranges before Eating Target blood sugar levels depend on the time of day and if you already have diabetes or pre-diabetes. Before you eat, called a fasting or pre-prandial glucose level, a non-diabetic should have a glucose level between 3.88 and 5.3 mmol/L.. If your reading is higher than 5.33 mmol/L. but lower than 6.94mmol/L, you may have insulin resistance or pre-diabetes. Glucose readings above 7 mmol/L indicate you have diabetes. Ideally, if you have type 2 diabetes you should have a fasting glucose level between 3.88 mmol/L and 7.22 mmol/L, when your diabetes is under control due to a combination of diet, exercise and medication if needed. Normal Blood Sugar Ranges after Eating Your blood sugar or blood glucose levels starts to rise soon after you start to eat and is at its highest 1 to 2 hours after your meal. Normal postprandial, which means “after eating,” glucose levels are 6.67 mmol/L and below for non-diabetics, 8.83 mmol/L. and below for those with pre-diabetes and 10 mmol/L for diabetics. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease suggest that two hours after eating, diabetics should have a blood sugar reading of 10 mmol/L or less. If your blood sugar is higher than 18 mmol/L two hours after eating, Continue reading >>

Blood Glucose

Blood Glucose

Test Overview A blood glucose test measures the amount of a type of sugar, called glucose, in your blood. Glucose comes from carbohydrate foods. It is the main source of energy used by the body. Insulin is a hormone that helps your body's cells use the glucose. Insulin is produced in the pancreas and released into the blood when the amount of glucose in the blood rises. Normally, your blood glucose levels increase slightly after you eat. This increase causes your pancreas to release insulin so that your blood glucose levels do not get too high. Blood glucose levels that remain high over time can damage your eyes, kidneys, nerves, and blood vessels. There are several different types of blood glucose tests. Fasting blood sugar (FBS). This test measures blood glucose after you have not eaten for at least 8 hours. It is often the first test done to check for prediabetes and diabetes. 2-hour postprandial blood sugar. This test measures blood glucose exactly 2 hours after you start eating a meal. This is not a test used to diagnose diabetes. This test is used to see if someone with diabetes is taking the right amount of insulin with meals. Random blood sugar (RBS). It measures blood glucose regardless of when you last ate. Several random measurements may be taken throughout the day. Random testing is useful because glucose levels in healthy people do not vary widely throughout the day. Blood glucose levels that vary widely may mean a problem. This test is also called a casual blood glucose test. Oral glucose tolerance test. This test is used to diagnose prediabetes and diabetes. An oral glucose tolerance test is a series of blood glucose measurements taken after you drink a sweet liquid that contains glucose. This test is commonly used to diagnose diabetes that occurs during Continue reading >>

Normal Range For Blood Sugar After Eating A Meal

Normal Range For Blood Sugar After Eating A Meal

When you have diabetes your blood sugar levels can be quite fragile. What are normal blood sugar levels? Blood sugar levels depend on what, when and how much you eat, as well as how effectively your body produces and uses insulin. Your blood sugar levels are an excellent indicator of your risk of developing diabetes; the higher your blood sugar, the greater your risk. Chronic high blood sugar can be a wake-up call, telling you that it’s time to lose weight and make healthier food choices. Normal Blood Glucose / Blood Sugar Level Ranges before Eating Target blood sugar levels depend on the time of day and if you already have diabetes or pre-diabetes. Before you eat, called a fasting or pre-prandial glucose level, a non-diabetic should have a glucose level between 3.88 and 5.3 mmol/L.. If your reading is higher than 5.33 mmol/L. but lower than 6.94mmol/L, you may have insulin resistance or pre-diabetes. Glucose readings above 7 mmol/L indicate you have diabetes. Ideally, if you have type 2 diabetes you should have a fasting glucose level between 3.88 mmol/L and 7.22 mmol/L, when your diabetes is under control due to a combination of diet, exercise and medication if needed. Normal Blood Sugar Ranges after Eating Your blood sugar or blood glucose levels starts to rise soon after you start to eat and is at its highest 1 to 2 hours after your meal. Normal postprandial, which means “after eating,” glucose levels are 6.67 mmol/L and below for non-diabetics, 8.83 mmol/L. and below for those with pre-diabetes and 10 mmol/L for diabetics. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease suggest that two hours after eating, diabetics should have a blood sugar reading of 10 mmol/L or less. If your blood sugar is higher than 18 mmol/L two hours after eating, Continue reading >>

What’s Normal Blood Sugar?

What’s Normal Blood Sugar?

Thank you for dropping in! If you need help lowering your blood sugar level, check out my books at Amazon or Smashwords. If you’re outside of the U.S., Smashwords may be the best source. —Steve Parker, M.D * * * Physicians focus so much on disease that we sometimes lose sight of what’s healthy and normal. For instance, the American Diabetes Association defines “tight” control of diabetes to include sugar levels as high as 179 mg/dl (9.9 mmol/l) when measured two hours after a meal. In contrast, young adults without diabetes two hours after a meal are usually in the range of 90 to 110 mg/dl (5.0–6.1 mmol/l). What Is a Normal Blood Sugar Level? The following numbers refer to average blood sugar (glucose) levels in venous plasma, as measured in a lab. Portable home glucose meters measure sugar in capillary whole blood. Many, but not all, meters in 2011 are calibrated to compare directly to venous plasma levels. Fasting blood sugar after a night of sleep and before breakfast: 85 mg/dl (4.7 mmol/l) One hour after a meal: 110 mg/dl (6.1 mmol/l) Two hours after a meal: 95 mg/dl (5.3 mmol/l) Five hours after a meal: 85 mg/dl (4.7 mmol/l) (The aforementioned meal derives 50–55% of its energy from carbohydrate) ♦ ♦ ♦ Ranges of blood sugar for young healthy non-diabetic adults: Fasting blood sugar: 70–90 mg/dl (3.9–5.0 mmol/l) One hour after a typical meal: 90–125 mg/dl (5.00–6.9 mmol/l) Two hours after a typical meal: 90–110 mg/dl (5.00–6.1 mmol/l) Five hours after a typical meal: 70–90 mg/dl (3.9–5.00 mmol/l) Blood sugars tend to be a bit lower in pregnant women. ♦ ♦ ♦ What Level of Blood Sugar Defines Diabetes and Prediabetes? According to the 2007 guidelines issued by the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists: Prediabetes: Continue reading >>

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